Is There Really Such a Thing as a Pocketable Camera?

[jsrockit]

At some point though the older truly pocketable film cams had some horrific iq i.e. Minox). I think what many of us keep coming back to is that there aren’t too many, if any, truly pants pocketable cameras, that you can carry comfortably, while still having great IQ.

 

[markjwyatt]

At some point though the older truly pocketable film cams had some horrific iq i.e. Minox). I think what many of us keep coming back to is that there aren’t too many, if any, truly pants pocketable cameras, that you can carry comfortably, while still having great IQ.

The Konica Big Mini HG does decently, but in some cases the flash is underpowered (not surprising).


Rosie The Riveter and Friends by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr


Beach Scene by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr


Ring Dancer by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr

 

[jsrockit]

The Konica Big Mini HG does decently, but in some cases the flash is underpowered (not surprising).

It’s still a little fat for my taste.

 

[markjwyatt]

It’s still a little fat for my taste.

It is a bit too tight for jeans, but fits in a jacket, and easily drops into my computer bag to travel with in a pinch.

 

[markjwyatt]

Just noticed this... (speaking of the Konica Big Mini HG- this one is a variant)

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2870065&postcount=1209

 

[ChrisPlatt]

At some point though the older truly pocketable film cams had some horrific iq i.e. Minox). I think what many of us keep coming back to is that there aren’t too many, if any, truly pants pocketable cameras, that you can carry comfortably, while still having great IQ.

I am puzzled by your comment.
Photos from every Minox 35 model I have owned were quite good.

Chris

 

[crsantin]

Olympus Stylus mjuII fits easily. Sony RX100 fits easily. Both great cameras with great IQ.

 

[jsrockit]

I am puzzled by your comment.
Photos from every Minox 35 model I have owned were quite good.

Chris

At what size are we talking and for what purpose?

 

[jsrockit]

It is a bit too tight for jeans, but fits in a jacket, and easily drops into my computer bag to travel with in a pinch.

I can agree with that.

 

[goamules]

A 1/2 camera is something like the GR.

No VF (though you can purchase one for $250, about 1/2 the cost of the camera)

"Mirrorless" (i.e. no mirror, thus a lack of a feature positioned as "a feature")

No built-in flash

Does it have a real shutter? I'm gonna say "no". If I'm wrong, I'm sure I'll be corrected.

Cropped sensor --- so 1/2 a sensor

=

(One example of a...) 1/2 Camera.

I shoot a lot of large format. Now THAT is a camera. No mirror, no flash, no shutter with barrel lenses. Just a box to hold the lens on the front, and the film on the back. ANY 35mm you can identify is 1/100th of a camera.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

At what size are we talking and for what purpose?

Not sure what you mean by that as well...

Here's one of several RFF threads featuring Minox 35 images:

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140057&highlight=minox

Chris

 

[peterm1]

In the digital realm, one pocket camera I have is this LX 5 by Panasonic and still use it though a few years old and hence antiquated in digital camera terms.

Back when I was shooting film for a time I used this baby - a Voigtlander Vito 11. It is tiny, not much bigger than the LX5. No rangefinder built in but Voigtlander did make a tiny accessory rangefinder that could be added without reducing its pocketability noticeably.

 

[jsrockit]

Not sure what you mean by that as well...

We most likely have a totally different idea of what we want quality wise. The best you might be able to get from a Minox negative is about.... AH, I see the problem ... I was talking about the minature minox cameras not the Minox 35. I don`t see the 35 fitting in my pants pocket comfortably.

 

[olifaunt]

Rollei 35

 

[mconnealy]

Two more:

The Kodak Flash Bantam

The Foth Derby

The Flash Bantam uses 828 roll film, while the Foth Derby shoots 127. Both cameras are outstanding performers.

 

[David Hughes]

We really need a poll as I was thinking all along of shirt pockets...


Regards, David

 

[michaelwj]

We really need a poll as I was thinking all along of shirt pockets...


Regards, David

We always need another poll!

I might own one shirt with a pocket, none of my dress (2) or business (1) shirts do. I think I have a casual lumberjack style shirt with a pocket?

 

[Ambro51]

Well....pockets vary. Best pockets I have are on a leather A2 jacket.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I was thinking all along of shirt pockets...

I'd never expect to keep one in a pants pocket.
Too much competition from wallet and potential damage from keys.

A chest pocket - in a shirt, or better yet in a jacket - is more practical.

I have found an inside chest pocket of a coat to be the ideal place.
It is clean, convenient to access and offers a little more protection.

Chris

 

[michaelwj]

I have found an inside chest pocket of a coat to be the ideal place.
It is clean, convenient to access and offers a little more protection.

Chris

As an added bonus if I carry two cameras in my inside chest pockets...

If only there were pockets on the upper arm...